Andy Oakes

Managing Consultant - R³ Sales

I have been with R³ for nearly three years and am currently Managing Consultant in Manchester for our Sales Division. In my mind, the best thing about working here is its unique culture; we operate in a very autonomous environment where people are accountable for their own performance but are not micro-managed in order to get there. We treat and manage people like adults and create individuals rather than robots. We have great relationships with our clients and genuinely work in partnership with their businesses.

Personally, I feel very valued within R³ by the Directors and those around me. I am often asked for my opinion and ideas to move the business forward and a number of these ideas have been implemented over the time that I have been here. I am entrusted with the performance of my team and it is my responsibility to get us to the required level of performance, which in itself is motivating and creates an environment where you feel like you are running your own business.

I am supported by all those around me, not only direct management but also my colleagues and those that I manage. We are a very close-knit team that drive each other to achieve our best - and you feel as though you are letting those around you down if you don't achieve what you say you are going to.

I love the duvet days that are being introduced, and the new high flyer incentive is great. In terms of professional growth, I have been sent on a number of management courses and also had a personal life coach/mentor assigned to me to help me think through problems and issues that arise in the day-to-day job which is great.

I have only worked for one other recruitment business and in comparison R³ wins hands down. Everything about us is professional and we provide a great place for people not only to learn their trade but also revel and progress in this sector. The business provides a great support network and base for people to grow from, and is going to continue to expand whilst maintaining its unique culture in the future which is very exciting.